adagioinb

Budget: How much money are you willing to spend on the laptop? Up to a couple of thousand, to get what I want

Screen: What size screen do you want, and do you need widescreen? I don't need widescreen, but it might be nice. I tend to keep several windows open at one time, and like to still have a view of the desktop. I like having lots of screen to play with.

Brands: Are there any brands you want or don't want to buy? Absolutely out of the question: Compaq/HP. I've had a Compaq Presario, and it had issues that I never saw them own up to or address.

Mobility: How much will you need and how long does the battery need to last? This is more for a desktop replacement, or laptop computing from my living room recliner. Maybe an occasional excursion to my job. But mostly it goes from the endtable to the arm of the recliner. At most, past experiences had left me needing maybe two hours without power.

Durability: Does this laptop need to be sturdy or durable/semi-durable? While this computer's lot in life will be rather cushy, accidents do happen. However, transportation out of my home will be in a padded briefcase/computer bag/backpack, usually into another 'safe' environment.

Multitasking: Will you be multitasking with this laptop and if so, how much? I'm almost always multitasking. Browser open, email program open, text editor open, Total Commander open, IRFAnview open,... and maybe freecell as well.

Gaming: Will you be gaming and if so, how much and how new are the games? Mostly just SimCity 4K. But I've got lots & lots of plugins, and these things eat up the RAM. But who knows, I might get some game more action intensive, but I'm not planning on it.

Calculations: Will you be doing any intense calculations or multimedia encoding? My son likes to manipulate multimedia at times.

Storage: How much storage will you need and what will you be storing? I'm a pack rat. I need room for everything. My current laptop has a 60gb hd, with about 20 gb free. And a 120 gb external drive, about half full.

Optical Media: Will you need to burn any optical media like CDs or DVDs? Yes and yes

Operating System: Do you want Windows XP or Vista, or Linux compatibility? I don't want Vista, so I've got just a short time to grab an XP. I've never tried Linux, but am open to the idea.

Location: What country do you live in?USA

Hm, I thought I saw another question, that I don't see here....
How long do I need it to last? Until Windows 7, or I decide to switch to MAC. I'm not quite ready to make that jump yet.

I'm using a 4+year old Dell Inspiron 5150. It still runs well, although the dvd/cd burner sometimes doesn't recognize there's a disc in there. I had the video card replaced just before the warranty expired. Other than that, it has been the best computer I've ever had, but it is aging, and getting a bit quirky. I don't want to get Vista, and I don't know if the Dell will make it to Windows 7. And I don't want to have to make an emergency purchase of a Mac, if this one goes, but I'm not ready for Mac, yet.

I'm considering another Dell (15.4", same as I have now). And think I would be happy with it. I've purchased two Dell computers in the last six years, and been happy with them. But I've been looking at a Microtel gaming computer, 17" screen. I have had a hard time finding information on technical support/customer satisfaction. Until I got here, I'd found next to nothing. I've googled till my fingers turned blue, and my eyeballs crossed. Visited zdnet, cnet, pcmag, and crutchfield. Either the brand isn't listed, or there are no ratings or reviews.
I finally found a few posts here that indicated 'issues' with the brand. But then again, most folks come here because they have 'issues with their 'puters, good brand or not.

I'm purchasing through the military exchange system, so my brand options are somewhat limited.
Thanks for any opinions/recommendations ya'll can give me.
Ruth